Patriotism: The real meaning of country’s love

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the souls of its people.” – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

As rightly said by Mahatma Gandhi, the love and support for the nation is called patriotism, which truly resides in the hearts and souls of its people and defines the country’s culture. It also means fighting on the borders and sacrificing yourself. And the soldiers, freedom fighters, and other citizens who fought and sacrificed their lives for their country had huge patriotic hearts.

For youngsters today, patriotism should be about serving for the betterment of their country in the best possible way. Engineers, doctors, teachers, domestic workers, and helpers are all patriotic soldiers as they are helping the country rise in all fields. Students should pursue higher studies in other countries but come back to their motherland and serve it. Even if they take up jobs in other countries, they should ensure that they contribute to their motherland’s well-being. There is a popular saying nowadays, “Padhega India tabhi toh badega America,” which should be proven wrong by our citizens.

People think that just singing the national anthem and waving the flag on Independence Day is enough for their country, but that’s not the truth. People who are hardworking and work honestly for their country are the real soldiers. Even if these people are not able to hoist the flag on Independence Day, they still are real patriotic soldiers.

Citizens should help other citizens overcome problems like poverty, hunger, insanitation, etc. There have been great people in the past who have set examples of real patriotism. One of them is Mother Teresa; she quoted, “A life not lived for others is not a life.” which perfectly means helping others from birth till death. She did not fight any war but just helped other people and children who could not help themselves.

Real warriors are also the doctors and those people who go to serve for their country during the time of crisis, like the pandemic, taking high risks with their lives. Many doctors have sacrificed their lives by helping others to recover from illness. Also, police officers have protected us from thieves, miscreants, and forgers, who are a threat to the motherland and thus, confirmed our safety.

Patriotism not only means helping people and boasting about your work. It means working silently and peacefully for your country because when your motherland thinks you did something for her, she will give back the hard work a price which is more precious than the Kohinoor diamond itself.

Patriotism can also be shown by spreading awareness of diseases, ongoing news, welfare programs, family planning, eradicating the caste system and discrimination from our society. Change takes time but it does not take forever. Working for your country is the best way to show your love for it. Lastly, do what you can; your motherland will always be proud of your hard-earned and honest donation.